The Duchess and the Orc

She just traded herself to a new lord. And he's the most brutal orc in the realm...In a world of recently warring orcs and men, Maria is desperate to escape her gilded cage, and her cruel duke husband. So she plots the perfect plan: she'll run away to Orc Mountain, and offer herself to the first orc who agrees to keep her safe.But the first orc she meets is Simon. The huge, hostile Enforcer of Orc Mountain. The biggest, most dangerous orc in all the realm.Worst of all, Simon hates humans. Especially wealthy, pampered women like Maria. And when she makes him her offer, he answers with vicious fury, and a proposal of his own...He'll protect her, and share his home with her. But only if she gives him everything in return.Her defeat.Her dignity.Her devotion...Surely, a duchess wouldn't dare agree to such a shameful deal... or would she? Especially if her surrender to Orc Mountain's mighty Enforcer might spark another war... or break both their hearts?_____________________ A dark, angsty, full-length fantasy romance with a marriage of convenience, a major size difference, and a dangerous, commanding orc.Comes after The Librarian and the Orc, but also reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.